Adiyaman

Adiyaman, situated in the southeastern part of Turkey. At an altitude of 669 m, the land is mountainous, the extensions of the Taurus Mountains covering the northern side. The famous  Euphrates (Firat) River flows through the region and delineates the eastern and southern borders of the province. Being very close to the plain of old Mesopotamia between the  Tigris and Euphrates rivers.

Adiyaman  has been a center of history having witnessing the earliest ages. There exist artifacts dating back to the 4th- millenium BC, like the paintings in the  Palanil Cave. Signs of neolithic and calcholithic ages are found at the tumuluses of Gritille and  Samsat. Changing hands from  Hittites  to Commagenes, then from  Seljuks  to  Ottomans, this province has seen many civilizations, remains of which are spread all over the land. 95 kms northeast from  Adiyaman, the impressive peak of Mount Nemrut is the most outstanding landmark of the region.

It is the  highest mountain of northern Mesopotamia, reaching a height of 2150 meters, and is a unique historical treasure possessing marvelous sights. On its summit there exists the tumulus of Antiochus I, one of the kings of Commagene, constructed in the 1stcentury BC. This mound, made by heaping up pieces of rock, is surrounded by terraces where gigantic toppled heads of  Apollo ,  Zeus ,  Hercules ,  Tyche, and  Antiochus  from GrecoPersian style stone statues stand on the ground all of these date from the same period. At the foot of the ancient  Nymphaios (Eski Kale), there is the magnificent relief of Hercules greeting the Commagene king, Mitradtes, and also evidence of remains which might have been the Commagene Palace of opposite, separated by the  Eski Kahta river , are the remains of  Yeni Kale (new castle) which was built by the  Mameluks.

Nearby are the remains of a  Roman bridge  at  Cendere and the  Karakus  royal tumulus. The Derik and Gerger fortresses, the  Palanil Cave, the Haydaran Rock Tombs, the Karadag Tumulus, Zey, Bestepeler and Malpinan are other historical sites worth visiting. Besides seeing these historical beauties, it is worth to climb here to feel the charm of nature, coupled with the fascinating views of sunrise and sunset. Another interesting site is the necropolis of  Pirin (Perre), 5 kms north of  Adiyaman  which is an ancient city of early Roman times. At this site also called the "Pirin caves" there are 208 tombs carved into the rock, with other remains some of which are still in use like the Roman fountain and Byzantine city walls. In addition to the historical many ruins in the area, the  Ataturk dam, the fourth largest in the world, constructed across the river, Euphrates is here in this region being a special place of interest. This dam, 40 kms from  Adiyaman, is the centerpiece of the enormous  Southern Anatolian Project (GAP) , provides for agriculture and energy and is worth seeing.

The lake to be formed will become an important tourist center in the near future. Other lakes found in this region are the  Golbasi  and Abdulharap Lakes beautifying the land with their wonderful scenery, and offering wide opportunities for fishing and hunting. The mineral springs of Celikhan, Kotur and Besni, on the other hand, are thermal centers to be visited for relief from various illnesses. A last stopover in this city should be at the  Adiyaman Museum, which houses archaeological finds from the area, together with the local ethnographic works. The specialty of the region is good quality kilims, woven with various colors and sold at low prices.